Following Toyota’s choice to enter a pair of gasoline hybrids for this year’s 80th Le Mans 24 hour race (June 16-17, 2012), Audi has announced it is getting into a pair of diesel hybrids to be driven by its top rated driver squads lead by André Lotterer and Allan McNish. These will be backed up by a duo of conventional diesel R18’s entered by Team Joest and Audi Sport North America with Timo Bernhard and Olivier Jarvis, respectively, major the driving squads.

With both Audi and Toyota fielding hybrids it helps make Peugeot’s decision to withdraw from Le Mans and not enter its 908 Hybrid4 even much more mystifying, specifically in light of the truth that its 3008 Hybrid4 has just gone on sale in Europe and the UK (more on that up coming week).

Other obvious absentees from the LMP1 class is Aston Martin following last year’s disastrous AMR-A single LMP1 autos which failed to make it beyond the very first hour of the 2011 race. As a substitute it will field two Vantage GT2s in the GTE class.

Meanwhile, Marino Franchitti has been confirmed as lead driver for the experimental Delta Wing run by Highcroft racing.

Other US interest consists of Dyson Racing, winners of final year’s ALMS, getting into a pair of new LMP1 Lola-Mazda B12/60 coupes, Starworks Motorsports and Level 5 Motorsports HPD ARX 03b Hondas, a pair of operates Corvette C6 ZR1s, 911s from Flying Lizard and a 458 from Krohn.

The primary interest, although, will be at the front wherever the Audi’s, believed to be running a flywheel energy recovery method instead than batteries, will be aiming to be the 1st manufacturer to win the legendary race with a hybrid, following on from its trend setting victories utilizing TFSI technologies in 2001 and diesel in 2006.

View the complete Le Mans entry checklist right here.

Relevant posts:

1. Audi’s Clinch Le Mans Victory
2. Audi’s Disastrous Le Mans
3. New Audi Le Mans Racer Unleashed
4. Le Mans – You Have to Observe the Audi and Peugeot Battle
5. Audi e-tron Spyder Visits 24 Hrs of Le Mans

Road &amp Track Website

By Larry E. Hall

In no way allow it be mentioned that high-mileage hybrids are grim, joyless, or Spartan. The 2012 Lexus HS 250h sedan was the smallest and most economical vehicle Lexus had ever constructed when it went on sale in late 2009 as a 2010 model, but it’s unquestionably luxurious. Lexus has noted that much more than 60 % of luxury-auto purchasers would contemplate a hybrid if one particular had been obtainable, so Lexus gave them an option.

Official EPA mileage for the HS 250h is 35 mpg city/34 highway/35 combined. Lexus says the HS 250h qualifies as a Super-Ultra-Reduced-Emission-Automobile (SULEV).

With the exception of a new exterior colour selection, there are no adjustments for the 2012 edition. The manufacturer’s advised retail price tag for the entry level HS 250h is $ 36,330 – a $ 700 boost over 2011. The step up Premium model also improved $ 700 to $ 39,800.

The front-drive HS, which stands for “harmonious sedan,” was Lexus’s first committed hybrid, just as the Prius was for its parent Toyota. Earlier Lexus hybrids have been adaptations of present automobiles, like the common RX 400h crossover – replaced for 2010 by the RX 450h – the GS 450h sports activities sedan, and the total-size luxury barge LS 600h. But the HS is sold as a hybrid only, with no gasoline-only edition.

Lexus HS 250h vs. Toyota Prius

The comparison to the 2012 Prius is apt, considering that the two automobiles share the very same fundamental platform. They the two ride on a 106.three-inch wheelbase, even though the Lexus HS 250h is two inches wider, half an inch higher, and a full 9 inches longer than its hatchback relative. The HS also has a larger two.4-liter engine – a tweaked Atkinson-cycle four cylinder – against the one.8-liter engine employed by the Prius. The total hybrid technique in the Lexus is fully 40-% more potent than that of the Prius: 187 horsepower compared to 134. Lexus says the powertrain allows the HS to hit 60 mph from a stop in eight.four seconds and reaches a leading speed of 112 mph.

There is 1 issue the HS did borrow from the Prius: driver-selectable operating modes. In addition to Typical mode which is, nicely, regular, there’s a Power mode, Eco mode, and EV mode. Eco maximizes fuel economic system by decreasing throttle response and reducing the air conditioning output. Picking Energy adds about 17 % more powerful acceleration than Normal, rather helpful when passing or climbing hills. EV mode makes it possible for operation in pure electric energy for about three miles if the battery has a very good charge.

So whilst the two cars have diverse bodies, different engine sizes, and certainly different personas, you can view the HS 250h as a Prius with a trunk, a raft of luxury accoutrements, and a different trade-off among fuel financial system and capabilities. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, as Seinfeld may say.

Exterior and Interior

Lacking the Prius’ large roofline and abrupt vertical tail, the much more standard sedan styling of the HS is marginally much less aerodynamic than its hatchback sibling, with a drag coefficient of .27 rather than the Prius’ .25. Given that the HS is a reasonably short 5-seat sedan, that’s even now a respectable figure.

If you are looking for groundbreaking styling, you are finest off looking elsewhere. In contrast to the Prius, it does not shout, “Hey, look at me, I’m a hybrid.” The exterior appear is more Toyota-like – offend no 1, please everyone – than the sleek search of today’s Lexus models. Indeed, from a distance with its slab sides, it could be mistaken for a Toyota Corolla, though it does have tiny triangle-windows up front, in each and every door, like the Prius.

Although the exterior may well recommend a pedestrian Toyota, Lexus buyers expect luxury and features, and the HS 250h delivers. Doors open wide onto a richly equipped and very carefully assembled passenger compartment. With vibrant instrumentation and effectively-developed controls that are straightforward to reach, it is challenging to criticize the HS. Nevertheless, devoted Lexus owners will locate minor that is acquainted. For illustration, the shift lever is not in the center console position amongst the driver and passenger. As an alternative, the shifter is positioned in the center of the dash, à la the 2009 Prius, and is far more like a joystick. They may well also cringe a bit at the top quality of some components compared to the Lexus automobiles they are utilized to driving, as noted by Automobile and Driver, “The base textured leather upholstery feels much more like leatherette and tends to make the upgraded semi-aniline leather a worthwhile upgrade.”

They might, even so, cut some slack when understanding that the HS has extended its green credentials past the hybrid powertrain with the use of earth-pleasant supplies. Lexus says that the hybrid car was the 1st car in the world to use interior “ecoplastic,” Some 30 percent of the cabin and cargo location is covered in a plant derived, carbon-neutral materials that will recycle easily. The physical appearance and feel is indistinguishable from the normal trim.

Higher-Tech Gear Galore

One particular of the characteristics that has constantly set a luxury automobile apart from the crowd is the newest in automotive large technology, a trait Lexus has excelled at. The HS 250h offerings are considerable, starting up with the Tech package choice that has four video cameras – an up front broad-angle can peek about blind corners at very low speeds, one more is for backing up, another is for a lane-departure warning and within, a camera monitors the driver’s encounter for distractions or drowsiness. There’s also radar for the cruise management, and a final touch is a head-up display with steering wheel controls.

If that is not sufficient, the optional navigation program incorporates true-time site visitors and climate, and casual-speech voice recognition. It even lets the proprietor customize the levels of haptic feedback in the mouse-like controller mounted on the console.

And, of course, there is the standard expected luxo attributes this kind of as leather seating – ten-way energy-adjustable for the driver, eight-way adjustable for the front companion – Bluetooth for cellphone and music streaming and USB/iPod connectivity. A nice touch is softer-closing power window switches from the uber-luxurious LS sedan.

On The Road

Wringing performance out of a car and, at the exact same time, acquiring it sip low quantities of fuel is a difficult activity. But the HS compromises between the two relatively properly. Whilst approaching a steep hill with the accelerator pushed to the floor, Popular Mechanics noted the positives and negatives of the powertrain: “The little Lexus can make good use of the hybrid drivetrain you can truly experience a swell of torque. The downside: The HS 250h’s cabin is a bit buzzy and – like all hybrids – the continuously variable transmission is flavorless compared to a classic geared transmission.” As for combining fuel economic system and performance, Motor Trend appears to have nailed what the HS is all about, “How to describe the HS driving knowledge? ‘Efficient?’ Yes. ‘Soothing’? Maybe. ‘Luxurious?’ Mainly. ‘Exciting?’ No. It’s just not the car’s mission.”

In The Marketplace

When the HS 250h was launched in 2009, the concerns had been how it would relate to the two other compact Lexus models, the sportier IS and the a lot more traditional ES front-wheel-drive sedan, and would it grab some prospective Prius customers? The IS and ES fared reasonably well in 2010 while the Prius continued to dominate hybrid car revenue. As for the HS, it did surprisingly well, racking up 10,663 units sold, sufficient to be the seventh greatest-marketing hybrid.

The automotive marketplace is ever altering and for 2011 the HS 250h faced new challenges. The first came from Lexus itself in the type of the new sporty compact CT 200h. The 4-door hatchback not only delivers much better fuel mileage – 43 mpg city/40 highway/40 combined – the $ 29,120 starting price tag is $ 7,230 much less than the HS. These variations were manifested by 2012 product sales numbers: The CT 200h was the third best-selling hybrid final year, racking up 14,381 sold compared with the 250h’s two,864 that relegated it to the 14th position.

Then there is Lincoln’s MKZ Hybrid. Its $ 34,330 starting price bests the HS by $ 1,575 and is bigger and delivers way much better fuel mileage, 41/36/39. And even however the HS 250h has obviously expanded Lexus’s green appeal, for a handful of thousand much less, the Prius does supply luxury appointments like leather upholstery, and even a couple techy gizmos not found on the HS. So, much more than a couple of astute customers make take the advice dished out by Auto and Driver: “If the HS 250h isn’t going to drive any far better than the Prius, we’d rather have the mileage-and the lower month to month payment-of a Prius as an alternative.”

But as Motor Trend pointed out, there is one particular issue Prius customers can not have: The Lexus dealer expertise when getting and servicing their autos. And that is element of the Lexus luxury persona.

Charges are Manufacturer Advised Retail Price tag (MSRP) at time of publication and do not incorporate location costs, taxes or licensing.

This page was updated on Jan. 25, 2012. The 1st comments in the thread under had been started out when the report was very first published.

HybridCars.com

Each week, our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and quick-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline might say Jens Meiners, but we simply contact him . . . the Continental.

Right after this year’s Detroit automobile display and a trip to California for a press occasion, I am back on my German home turf. This Detroit car show—public days of which just ended last weekend—was the very best 1 in many a long time. After thumbing by way of my notes, I’ve compiled a handful of of my observations from Cobo Hall and subsequent meetings, outlining the highlights, lowlights, and so-so performances.

Yes: Acura NSX. Finally, one more super sports activities car from Honda! A Honda/Acura rebirth is on the way, disturbing comments by the company’s North American advertising and marketing executives notwithstanding. This automobile will not be a compromise. One particular caveat: Voices tell me CEO Ito has noticed the light in the form of electrics and hybrids. At least he thinks so.

No: Cadillac ATS. Cadillac has been defined by its characteristic and unmistakably angular styling language, and I was expecting an ultra-modern, aggressive compact sports activities sedan. A sharper and far more compact CTS, please. Alas, the ATS falls flat down on its unremarkable face—and the interior doesn’t preserve it, both. Are Cadillac’s designers voluntarily abandoning its styling language, or was this car clinicked to death? At this point, it makes no variation. But hey, it’s supposed to beat the three-series on the road, correct? We’ll see.

Yes: Audi’s Q3 Vail idea. “Two months ago, [CEO] Rupert Stadler asked us to produce a Q3 for America to gauge interest in the car,” says exterior designer Frank Gruner. His group took the off-road styling package add-ons, resprayed them in a granite color, additional running boards, aluminum appliqués, and 20-inch wheels, plus an aluminum roof rack with integrated LED lights.The concept was so well received that Stadler confirmed the Q3 will come to the U.S.

So-so: the Mercedes-Benz SL550. I enjoy the truth this automobile is up to 275 pounds lighter than its predecessor, and I am certain it will be an absolute blast to drive. (Please also mark me down for extended check drives of the upcoming SL63 and SL65 AMG versions.) Meanwhile, even so, enable me to comment on the interior design: I noted the center air vents and display are slightly off-center, presumably so the center left vent’s airflow will not disturb the driver’s correct hand. Not a lovely solution, and I strongly suspect this isn’t what the unique sketch looked like. But an absolute low point is the “Mercedes-Benz” lettering on the steering wheel—curved and in italics—that oozes all the tasteful restraint of a “Stauer Meisterzeit” timepiece (seek advice from your in-flight purchasing catalog). It is patently misplaced in an ultra-modern day sports auto. As to the SL’s exterior: Why does the gap of the trunk/roof cover extend to the sides when Mercedes managed to stay away from this on the SLK? For which full-dimension truck were the massive headlights originally created? And does Mercedes truly intend to set up these flimsy-seeking exterior mirrors and these oval, 1990s door handles as the connecting element bridging all vehicle classes?

Yes: German suppliers. Schaeffler, KSPG, ZF, and Continental showed a amount of technologies to increase effectiveness, ranging from lighter and a lot more-efficient transmissions to turbochargers, auxiliary components, and—if you must—range extenders. Extraordinary stuff worth seeking into. One executive says: “Thanks to all the talk about CO2, we can ultimately sell the technical remedies that we’ve peddled to carmakers for a long time.” That mentioned, he doesn’t feel in the horrible tale of the perils of CO2. But that is just his individual opinion . . .

No: Tesla Model S. The fit and finish of the five-door-seven-seater-130-mph-300-mile-assortment miracle automobile marked a nadir at this demonstrate. It looks fine from a considerable distance, but do not get as well near. Taillights have been unevenly glued together body parts match poorly and the interior, with its crude flat screens, is a 1960s futuristic nightmare. The automobile is supposed to be delivered to clients this summer season? I wonder if Franz von Holzhausen would have gotten away with this at an internal, early-stage presentation at Mazda.

Yes: Porsche. It’s good to see the German icon in Detroit, only some years following former CEO Wendelin Wiedeking believed the brand could do without having the show. No way. (And Jaguar/Land Rover truly must have been there, as well.)

So-so: the Dodge Dart. It looks like a 1990s compact and—this is an educated guess primarily based on knowledge with its Italian siblings—a Volkswagen GTI will almost certainly run circles all around it. But it has a nicely executed interior, its technical basis is productive, and it puts Dodge back in the game.

And my favorite: VW CEO Martin Winterkorn. On the Mercedes stand, he was all over the new SL with its 90-%-plus aluminum structure. Just to be positive, the VW boss developed a little magnet to examine the innovative construction. You see, Winterkorn is a components scientist. At supplier presentations, we’ve noticed him scrape the surface off samples with a knife—to ensure he is not presented with a dummy part. This executive is a paragon of a genuine automobile-guy culture.

So much for Detroit this Conti is written from the Rally Monte Carlo, which Sébastien Loeb, driving a Citroën DS3 WRC, has just won. An unbelievably cool rally. Far more on that subsequent week.

Auto and Driver Website

Japan’s Kyodo News reports Toyota – the world’s biggest manufacturer of hybrid vehicles – could have the technologies ready for complete-scale production inside two a long time.

Toyota is understandably keeping it cards close to its chest, and has not revealed anything about its long term powertrain technology. A Toyota spokesperson told Reuters the business is continuing its investigation into rare earth metal substitutes but at this stage has no timeline on when new parts could hit the market.

Two of the metals – neodymium and dysprosium – are generally used in the magnets of electrical motors and are increasingly sought soon after as the demand for hybrids and EVs grows about the world.

China at present generates a lot more than 95 per cent of the world’s uncommon earth metals and has recently revealed its intention to restrict exports, fearing depletion of its all-natural sources. China’s hesitancy has forced hybrid manufacturers like Toyota into overdrive to discover alternatives to unusual supplies. Japan currently accounts for roughly one 3rd of the world’s uncommon earth metal consumption.

Car Assistance

The “c” stands for “city” in the event you have been wondering and this is wherever this modest automobile is developed to thrive.

The c is shorter, lighter and a lot more compact in every way compared to the standard Prius. This, in large part, explains why the 2012 Toyota Prius c will be motivated by an Atkinson-cycle one.five-litre, four-cylinder engine. On its own, it generates 73 hp and 82 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor is excellent for 60 hp or 45kW. Combined, they are rated at 99 hp.

The diminutive car is roomy enough for 4 occupants and some gear as the fuel tank and nickel-metal hydride battery are located under the rear seats. The exterior shell is plainly developed with a youthful purchaser in mind.

Fuel consumption numbers are extraordinary. According to Toyota, the 2012 Toyota Prius c’s mixed rating of 3.7 L/100 km is the best this side of non plug-in automobiles.

AUTO123.COM – RSS

Since its debut in 1997, the Toyota Prius has simply outdistanced all other hybrids in terms of sheer popularity, with globally product sales because launch accounting for 3 million autos. Whilst the perpetual critics of hybrids and electrical autos will claim that this is a drop in the proverbial bucket in terms of complete vehicle product sales, it’s nevertheless greater to be a drop in a bucket and a massive fish in a minor pond.

Positive, the Toyota Prius V is actually just a thinly disguised minivan. But the plain simple fact is, some men and women need to have minivans and some of those desperate souls will want that minivan to be a hybrid. The Prius V gives 50 per cent more area behind the front seats than the hatch (a solid obtain) and it comes close in terms of fuel performance — 4.6L/one hundred km in mixed driving compared to 3.8L/one hundred km for the unique. (These are US fuel cycle figures Australian figures have nevertheless to be confirmed ahead of its nearby launch in Q2 of this year.)

The power of the vehicle, as anticipated, is the hybrid powertrain (shared with the regular Prius), which pairs a one.eight-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with a 60kW electric motor to create a combined 100kW. This pairing is linked to a continuously variable transmission and managed by way of 4 diverse drive modes ranging from the additional-mild to the slightly spicy. In EV mode, the automobile can run on electrical power alone at urban speeds for about 2km, whilst power mode brings (a bit of) extra punch.

Let’s be clear: The Prius V does not provide a thrilling driving knowledge. It’s not a terribly quick car, nor is it specifically engaging it does, nonetheless, supply affordable steering really feel, a smooth ride and acceptable dealing with.

As this Prius is more substantial than its quick forebear, it goes without having saying that it will probably carry much more people (though nonetheless a five-seater like the Prius) and/or more cargo. In anticipation, the engineers at Toyota gave the automobile a redesigned suspension system, as well as an revolutionary bit of tech named Pitch and Bounce Handle. This technique employs the torque of the hybrid powertrain to support manage the balance of the vehicle underneath acceleration and its dealing with by means of the corners.

Considerably thought has gone into other elements of the Prius V as effectively. High-tensile steel and aluminum is utilised in key areas to reduce down on excess weight. And the optional panoramic moonroof is constructed of resin, which decreases weight by 38 per cent compared with a comparably sized glass roof. In the last evaluation, the Prius V weighs 105kg a lot more than the Prius — but contemplating the added utility, this is a small value to pay.

For the duration of our check drive in Quebec, Canada — conducted in power mode most of the time, and with the accelerator effectively and definitely engaged — the readout on the Prius V recommended an regular fuel economic climate of six.0L/100km. Fair sufficient.

But if there’s 1 location wherever the Prius V particularly disappoints, it is the lack of cool issue. The Prius hatch has a definite geek-chic appeal to it no, it doesn’t have the silhouette of a sports activities auto, but it has sufficient of a wedge-shaped profile to suggest that aerodynamics were involved in the design. The Prius V also has a wedge-shaped profile, but since it’s more substantial in size, it just appears like a minivan that’s attempting in vain to search cool.

The problem about cool factor extends to other components of the vehicle as nicely. The resin sunroof, as interesting as that is, has meant that one of the most revolutionary capabilities of the hatch — an optional solar panel sunroof that helps energy the climate management program — has fallen by the wayside.

So, too, has the innovative touch tracer management method. A normal function on the Prius hatch, this technologies sees the driver activate several controls through thumb wheels mounted on the steering wheel. When the driver touches one of the sections of the wheel, a duplicate picture of the control staying activated is projected onto the windshield. This way, the controls can be operated without needing to reduce the eyes.

It’s a very sensible style, but it does take some getting utilised to the word on the street is that the touch tracer manage may have been considered too “youthful” a feature for the Prius V target industry. Meaning: If you haven’t grown up with an iPod glued to your hand, touch tracer control is likely outside your comfort zone.

Whilst the 2012 Toyota Prius V may possibly not be really as engaging as the Prius from a visual or technological perspective, it is nevertheless an fascinating new family members automobile. Even better, with a base cost near to that of the original Prius in some markets — and even cheaper in some other individuals — the Prius V represents actual value in the hybrid segment.

Auto Advice

Time was when an automaker created a “California Special” edition of any model it probably had a lot more horsepower or particular graphics. A thing to make it sexier.

Not anymore. Chevrolet Volts headed for CA will now get a new Very low Emissions Package. Sounds like a excellent program, but why?

With the package’s additional equipment the Volt qualifies as a car with this government-issued label: California Enhanced, Advanced Technological innovation-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle. You can phone it enhAT-PZEV for short.

The point of the workout to make Volts eligible for Substantial Occupancy Automobile (HOV or vehicle-pool) lane use with just 1 man or woman onboard…just like the arch-rival, all-electric Nissan Leaf.

Usually you need at least two up to use that lane. Get caught driving solo in a non-certified car and you are out a lot more than $ 300. Purchasing the Volt does not guarantee the coveted HOV sticker, but it qualifies the owners to apply for a single of the 40,000 readily available HOV stickers that are issued on a initial-ask, initial-given basis.

There was a time when hybrids also competent for HOV lane use and getting the sticker bumped up the value of the car by some $ 2000.

Becoming an enhAT-PZEV (consider to say that with no spitting…some prefer the much more pronounceable Consume-PZEV for that quite explanation) automobile, the California Volt also qualifies the owner for a $ 1500 rebate from the state for driving a clean car.

What’s the secret? The California Volts have an extra secondary air-injection pump for the catalytic converter, which further minimizes pollutants.

More very good news. To qualify the California Volt for HOV use Chevy has to up the warranty to ten-year, 150,000-mile.

So possibly issues haven’t actually modified all that significantly if one particular considers (with all due respects to Volt owners) that nerd is the new sexy.

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No connected posts.

Road &amp Track Blog

 

A recent study by Deloitte finds that six in 10 Millennials would prefer to acquire a hybrid above any other form of vehicle.  

Deloitte surveyed 1,500 drivers from Gens Y, X and Baby Boomers. 250 of these have been Millennials – people among the ages of 19 and 31 – from China and 300 from Western Europe. According to Deloitte, Gen Y will buy 1 of 4 cars this year. “Gen Y customers also view hybrid technologies as confirmed and reputable…. Gen Y is familiar and comfy with hybrid technological innovation, but not so significantly with battery-only technologies.” explained Craig Giffi of Deloitte. Only 2% of people responding mentioned they would take into account a pure EV.

But just getting a hybrid is not great sufficient. 59% mentioned the most crucial element of a vehicle’s interior is the in-dash technology with 75% preferring a touch-screen interface. 72% want in-dash apps. Continuing the depressing news, Millennials surveyed listed safety bundles — collision warnings, blind spot detection, rest alert– as the 2nd most desirable issue in a auto.

As a millennial, I am each horrified and fully unsurprised by the benefits of this survey. I even now want a big motor with no traction control.

Categories: Vehicle Industry,Hybrids

Straightline

The survey identified 57 per cent of Gen Y (folks aged from their late teens to early 30s) prefers electrified vehicles.

Deloitte vice chairman and automotive practice leader Craig Giffi believes Gen Y could be the “tipping point” for hybrids and electrical automobiles to grow to be mainstream.

“The motivation is heavily based on economics, lowering their fuel costs,” Giffi stated. “What’s driving them to hybrids and electrified automobiles is not so a lot conserving the planet as they want to preserve their pocketbook.”

The examine revealed the inside of the car could be even far more important to Gen Y than the hardware beneath the bonnet.

Of individuals surveyed, 59 per cent said dashboard technologies was the most essential portion of a car’s interior, whilst 73 per cent mentioned they favoured touchscreen controls more than conventional buttons, dials and switches.

The benefits of the examine emphasise the preference of younger shoppers for revolutionary technology, and give an insight into what we can assume from automotive layout in the near long term.

The examine follows 1 from November that showed youthful folks are turning out to be more and more apathetic towards automobiles, with 46 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds admitting they would take portable net access above a auto of their personal.

Auto Suggestions

BMW has ditched its ‘Joy’ campaign filled with smiling faces to shift its focus back to what the brand is at its core, “The Ultimate Driving Machine”, a slogan that has definitely played some element in producing the German automaker the U.S.’s best-promoting luxury brand.

For this year, BMW has a line up that involves an ambitious 14 designs, the most significant set the brand has ever launched. To back this big-rollout, BMW should have felt the ‘Joy’ campaign just wasn’t adequate to carry it, so they have gone back to the traditional “The Ultimate Driving Machine” tagline, with a new commercial that is certain to get the consideration of enthusiasts.

Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal &amp Partners is responsible for the new ads, that characteristic a voiceover that reminds you: “We really don’t make sports cars. We do not make SUV’s. We do not make hybrids, and we do not make luxury sedans. We only make 1 factor: The ultimate driving machine.”

I’m currently getting visions of someone handing me a new set of keys.

Check out the new Tv ad soon after the jump.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Resource: AutoBlog

egmCarTech